Where I live all the pubs have outdoor areas and table service, and frankly that's a nicer experience for hanging out with mates than being cramped in line at the bar anyway.

Not mingling indoors does not preclude pubs, socialising or hanging out with people in person.

I see from your comment history that you really enjoyed the commutes, going to an office job with others in the s/w industry. I'm like you in that regard: I was excited to start a job commuting into London on a daily train, because I really enjoy that part, the travel, the people, the vibe of the crowds. It's an excellent time to break out a book. I'd spent too long doing WFH and wanted a job in an office.

But things changed. You don't know my circumstances, but suffice to say my family faced a realistically high chance of death or disability if they got Covid due to particular pre-existing conditions. So of course I'd be a selfish arsehole if I carried on a commute in those circumstances.